Get there faster: $25,000, mentorship and resources for your early stage startup

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” – Walt Disney

You’re probably asking what does this quote have to do with me? Walt Disney created a fictional cartoon mouse and I’m over here building a technology company; one that’s going to change the way people live their lives and/or do their work.

We get it. And you’re not wrong.

Walt Disney is not exactly the quintessential “startup guy”, but he did have a dream – a vision – that he worked tirelessly to bring to a reality.

And how did he do this? He stopped talking about it and just started doing. It’s easy to talk about what needs to be done and what you plan on doing; it’s hard to actually put yourself out there and make it happen.

All of this is to say, we understand where you’re coming from. You have high ambitions. An amazing idea that you just need to take to the next level. But, how do you get to where you need to go?

Volta Cohort Program

That’s where Volta Labs comes in. In fall 2017, we launched Volta Cohort, a program that helps early stage, high-calibre founders attract and secure venture capital sooner. This program provides investments of $25,000 to up to five companies each cohort through a micro-fund co-founded by Volta, BDC Capital, and Innovacorp.

Along with investment, Cohort companies are given space at Volta, programming, and access to a board of mentors comprised of CEOs and founders of Volta’s Resident and Alumni companies. The board will meet with each company every two months – offering peer support, advice and will ensure key milestones are met.

Not located in Halifax? No problem. Volta will work with our partner organizations in other cities across Atlantic Canada to ensure support is provided wherever you’re located.

Pitch Event

On May 16, we’re hosting our next Volta Cohort Pitch Event. Fifteen companies will be invited to pitch their business to a panel of judges (and over 100 of their closest startup friends!) for the opportunity to be awarded up to five $25,000 investments. And the investments will be awarded LIVE that night!

The good news is that it’s not too late to apply – we’re still accepting applications for this pitch event. Applying is only a click away and we promise, it won’t take longer than 5 minutes to do. What do you have to lose?

No Investment. No Problem

So all of this sounds great, but there’s one issue. You’re really early stage. You haven’t even received any investment to date. That’s perfect! This program is for companies who have no previous investment and are looking for that initial support. We’re also looking for a few other things including:

Ambition of idea

Disruptive level of the technology

Ability of the team to execute

Impact that $25,000 will have on the company

Check out the application form and tell us about your startup before April 13.

P.S. If you’re not quite ready to pitch in May, that’s fine too. Stay tuned for event details and be sure to grab your tickets when they go on sale – the last event sold out! We’ll be doing this every six months, so consider it research for when you’re ready to pitch.